Frequently Asked Questions
If something isn’t covered here, write directly to Fernando at studiodurao@gmail.com.
The Work
Do you take custom orders or commissions?
No. Every piece at Durao Studio is made independently — thrown on the wheel without a predetermined outcome, selected for its form, and offered as it is. I don’t take color requests, shape requests, or personalized pieces. The work exists before the sale, not after it.
Can the vases hold water?
No. The vases in the Unikas Black and Unikas Quartz collections are decorative objects — they are not designed to hold water. All pieces are washable, but they should not be used as functional vessels.
Can I get the same piece again if I miss it?
No. Every piece is one of a kind — thrown once, fired once, sold once. When a work leaves the studio, that exact combination of form and surface will not be made again. There are no reorders, no reprints, no editions.
Do you do wholesale?
Rarely. It depends on the project, the people involved, and where the work will be placed. Get in touch if you have something specific in mind.
Can I visit your studio?
Not as a general rule. The studio is a working space, not a showroom. I work alone and the time I spend away from the wheel is the time I’m not making. If you have a specific reason to visit, write first — but please don’t try to schedule something months in advance.
Pricing & Purchasing
Does the price include shipping?
Yes. The price quoted by Fernando includes door-to-door shipping from Buenos Aires to any address in the United States. There are no hidden freight charges.
Will I have to pay import duties when the package arrives?
Possibly. As of 2025, the United States suspended the $800 de minimis exemption for all countries, including Argentina. This means US Customs may assess import duties on your shipment upon arrival. These charges — if applied — are the responsibility of the buyer and are collected by the courier at delivery.
Fernando ships all pieces with full documentation, including a signed certificate of authenticity. Works that qualify as original art under HTS Chapter 9701 may be eligible for duty-free entry, but this determination is made by US Customs, not by the seller. We recommend contacting a customs broker if you have specific questions about your situation.
Shipping & Delivery
How are the pieces shipped?
Each piece is packed individually by Fernando in his studio — carefully wrapped, padded, and boxed for international transit. All shipments are fully insured. Shipping is door-to-door from Buenos Aires, Argentina to any US address.
What happens if a piece arrives damaged?
Fernando does not accept returns or offer replacements for pieces damaged in transit. All shipments are fully insured — in the event of damage, the insurance claim is the avenue for resolution. Fernando will provide all necessary documentation to support the claim.
Please photograph the packaging and the piece immediately upon arrival if you notice damage, before unpacking further.
How long does shipping take?
International shipping from Buenos Aires to the United States typically takes between 7 and 15 business days, depending on the courier and customs clearance. Fernando will provide tracking information once the piece has been dispatched.
Certificate of Authenticity
What is the certificate of authenticity?
Every piece from Durao Studio ships with a signed certificate of authenticity from Fernando Durao. The certificate confirms that the work is an original, one-of-a-kind handmade ceramic art object — not a reproduction, not part of an edition. It includes the name of the collection, the piece reference, and Fernando’s signature.
The certificate is also relevant for US customs purposes, as it supports the classification of the piece as original artwork.
Still have a question? Write to Fernando directly at studiodurao@gmail.com or use the contact page. All messages are answered personally.